Since, if everything goes well, I get this one Cable Card working I will loose the "second tuner", do you guys think it is still worth it?

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Definately keep pressing for that second cable card ... 'single tuner' would seem (to me) like alot of functionality to give up.

Cable company, Tivo, your local franchise authority ...

However at this point I'd probably take the 10 minutes to submit an FCC complaint. Instructions to file a complaint via web, postal mail, e-mail, phone, or fax (whichever you prefer) can be found here:http://www.fcc.gov/cgb/complaints_general.html

Edit: BTW, this is specifically an issue of Equipment compatibility ...

You should contact the FCC if you have complaints or questions about the following issues:
(...)
Equipment compatibility - The Commission has adopted rules to ensure simplified compatibility between home equipment such as TVs and VCRs and cable systems.

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In general, the FCC instructs that alot of complaints (such as complaints about rates or customer service) should be sent to your franchise authority. However, equipment compatibility is one of the things that the FCC responds to.

I would think having a second tuner would be good, so I would keep on Tivo's case to get your cable provider to provide both. They should be able to do this and it is FCC mandated.

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It looks like their computer system is not setup to handle two cable cards.

When I explained the situation to TiVo Support he said we could not "force them" to give me the cable cards, that if they would not provide them, TiVo would try to help.

If they refuse I can always file a complaint with the FCC to see if they eventually make the necessary changes to their system to enable the second cable card.

I'm not even sure if their system is setup to enable HD programming if I don't have their crappy HD DVR combo box. I tried if for a month and returned it... just wasn't worth the $100 deposit and $20 a month, however while I had their HD-DVR in one TV I was able to tune to HD programs on my other Sony HDTV. These channels dissapeared when I returned it. I may be forced to get one just so they release HD programming to my house.

They should be able to enable HD on a cablecard, right? I mean HDTV users w/ cablecard slot can receive HD programming? Strange that they (apparently) are encrypting things or... eg, strange how the Sony could tune (I assume in clear QAM), then it changed..?

re billing for two cablecards, could ask them to try like Comcast, where the 2nd card is special $1.50 charge (so they have SOMETHING to bill), but don't charge a 2nd additional outlet charge on top...
or they could treat it like two sep cablecard installs, just ask to waive/credit any extra monthly charges for two/extra outlets.

Good luck! You're still better off almost, than Hawaii's billing w/ Oceanic... which charges extra for cards AND HD programming per card...

I'm not even sure if their system is setup to enable HD programming if I don't have their crappy HD DVR combo box. I tried if for a month and returned it (...) however while I had their HD-DVR in one TV I was able to tune to HD programs on my other Sony HDTV. These channels dissapeared when I returned it.

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cgould said:

They should be able to enable HD on a cablecard, right? I mean HDTV users w/ cablecard slot can receive HD programming? Strange that they (apparently) are encrypting things or... eg, strange how the Sony could tune (I assume in clear QAM), then it changed..?

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Sounds like the cable system is using some sort of tap / filter ... not encryption. Similar to how most cable systems handle the extended analog 'basic' cable package. If you don't subscribe, a filter is put on the line which filters out those channels ...

Heck, in that case you might not even need the CableCards (since the channels would be unencrypted QAM) if you can get the cable company to remove the filter ...

When we set up cable card installs, all we ask is what they are being used for. Not the model #. There is no reason for them to need to know this prior to coming out. If the cable company can't install the card w/o programming first, then they need to get with the times

It sounds the the rep you spoke to didn't really know for sure what the options are. You need to get someone to ask their tech dept./warehouse what the options are. Or call back and ask for a supervisor.

If you have two different TV's, each needing a cable card, they could not do it? Sounds fishy to me.

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SNIFF-SNIFF.....Yup, something isn't right about that. What do they do if they get a customer with 2 HD TV's?

Are you sure you're explaining it right. A lot of people don't understand Tivo. Especially if you don't own one. If the company isn't familiar with it, then maybe they will just deny supporting it?

I am the only rep on the floor who actually knows a little about it since I own a few Tivo's. No other reps can assist on how the S1/S2 boxes are hooked to the cable boxes or how to get it to change channels....etc....

Let me know if you want me to call your cable company. I can probably find someone to speak with who knows something about cable cards and programming. It's the departments you would never get to speak with that have all the answers.

The Cable Guy came in with my cable card, he put in the slot and called to have it authorized... It took him 40 minutes, but he managed to get someone at the office to authorize it.

All the premium channels worked right off the bat, but NO HD CHANNELS!!!

I had the feeling this was going to happen, so I got in my car and replaced one of my regular cable boxes (that's hooked up to one of my other 2 TiVo's) and exchanged it for an 8300HD.

I got the HD channels through the 8300HD, but NOT ON THE S3!! I checked to see if my Sony could get the unencripted QAM channels, and it couldn't. Maybe I had gotten lucky before.

I talked to the cable company and they say that I cannot get HD programming using a cable card and insist that I cannot get the second cable card.

So basically I have an S3 with one cable card working, but NO HD... :-(

In my honest opinion, this setup is just not worth the $680 I spend on it, I consulted with my wife (who belives a TV is worthless without a TiVo) and she agreed.

So, regretably it looks like I'll have to contact the TiVo Community Store to see what I need to do to return the unit. I would still need to get another S2DT, so it's not like they are loosing a customer. I also need to check with TiVo to see if I can just replace the service number the S3 was using to provide service to the new S2DT.

At least I can say I gave the S3 a good try... I'm just envy all you guys that managed to put it to work. Thanks for all you help and support.

I'd definitely file a complaint the the FCC about the lack of multiple CableCards as well as the lack of HD channels with CableCards but not with the 8300HD. Both issues should be something the FCC will force the cable company to comply with.

The Cable Guy came in with my cable card, he put in the slot and called to have it authorized... It took him 40 minutes, but he managed to get someone at the office to authorize it.

All the premium channels worked right off the bat, but NO HD CHANNELS!!![/U]

I had the feeling this was going to happen, so I got in my car and replaced one of my regular cable boxes (that's hooked up to one of my other 2 TiVo's) and exchanged it for an 8300HD.

I got the HD channels through the 8300HD, but NOT ON THE S3!! I checked to see if my Sony could get the unencripted QAM channels, and it couldn't. Maybe I had gotten lucky before.

I talked to the cable company and they say that I cannot get HD programming using a cable card and insist that I cannot get the second cable card.

So basically I have an S3 with one cable card working, but NO HD... :-(

In my honest opinion, this setup is just not worth the $680 I spend on it, I consulted with my wife (who belives a TV is worthless without a TiVo) and she agreed.

So, regretably it looks like I'll have to contact the TiVo Community Store to see what I need to do to return the unit. I would still need to get another S2DT, so it's not like they are looking a customer. I also need to check with TiVo to see if I can just replace the service number the S3 was using to provide service to the new S2DT.

At least I can say I gave the S3 a good try... I'm just envy all you guys that managed to put it to work. Thanks for all you help and support.

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How sad!!!!!!!!!! I hope one day this will all clear up and you will get your Tivo S3. Complain to the FCC!

So, regretably it looks like I'll have to contact the TiVo Community Store to see what I need to do to return the unit. I would still need to get another S2DT, so it's not like they are looking a customer. I also need to check with TiVo to see if I can just replace the service number the S3 was using to provide service to the new S2DT.

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You might want to try giving a call to TiVo first, and seeing if they can "discuss" things with your cable company. They have specialists who know what particular cable companies can and can't get away with legally.

I'd definitely file a complaint the the FCC about the lack of multiple CableCards as well as the lack of HD channels with CableCards but not with the 8300HD. Both issues should be something the FCC will force the cable company to comply with.

I'd definitely file a complaint the the FCC about the lack of multiple CableCards as well as the lack of HD channels with CableCards but not with the 8300HD. Both issues should be something the FCC will force the cable company to comply with.

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I'm thinking of keeping my S3 and fighting for a bit longer...

I did a quick number and if I return the S3, there's a 15% restocking fee + shipping + new upgraded S2DT + more shipping... it turns out to be a very expenive S2DT.

I'm confident that with TiVo's help I'll be able to get the second CableCard. With regards to getting the HD channels, I'll try to take it up with Scientific Atlanta, since they are manufacturers of this particular CableCard. My guess it that the Cable Company is just a bit clueless about CableCards, specially since every time I mention the word they keep asking why I would want to do that and discourage me as much as possible.

I'll keep the complain to the FCC as a last resort.

To be honest, eventhough my S3 is only working as a single tuner, having the premium channels without the cable box is very nice.